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Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

Also called: RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can cause serious problems in young babies, including pneumonia and severe breathing problems. Premature babies and those with other health problems have the highest risk. A child with RSV may have a fever, stuffy nose, cough, and trouble breathing. Lab tests can tell if your child has the virus. There is no specific treatment. You should give your child fluids to prevent dehydration. If needed, you can also give a pain reliever (not aspirin) for fever and headache.

RSV easily spreads from person to person. You can get it from direct contact with someone who has it or by touching infected objects such as toys or surfaces such as countertops. Washing your hands often and not sharing eating and drinking utensils are simple ways to help prevent the spread of RSV infection. There is currently no vaccine for RSV.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following features are indicative of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • dry cough
  • runny nose
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • wheezing
  • difficulty breathing
  • bluish color of the skin
It is possible that Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following are the most common causes of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • respiratory syncytial virus

Risk Factors for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • infants younger than 6 months of age
  • younger children
  • children with weakened immune system
  • older adults
  • people with immunodeficiency
  • adults with asthma
  • adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid smoking
  • wash hands frequently
  • avoid exposure with infected people
  • do not share drinking glasses with others
  • wash toys regularly

Occurrence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • Pulse oximetry: To measure the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream
  • Blood tests: To evaluate the presence of viruses, bacteria or other organisms in the bloodstream
  • Chest X-rays: To detect pneumonia
  • Physical exam: To diagnose the respiratory syncytial virus infection

Doctor for Diagnosis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • Primary care physician

Complications of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections if untreated

Yes, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections is left untreated:
  • pneumonia
  • middle ear infection
  • asthma
  • life-threatening infection

Procedures for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following procedures are used to treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • Oxygen therapy: Provides the humidified oxygen

Self-care for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • Keep your child in an upright position: Makes breathing easier
  • Keep the humidifier clean: To prevent the growth of bacteria and molds
  • Encourage your child to drink fluids: Helps in loosen thickened secretions
  • Try saline nasal drops: To ease congestion
  • Eliminate exposure to cigarette smoke: Helps in relieving symptoms

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:
  • Intake of vitamin D: Lowers the severity of respiratory syncytial virus infections
  • Consuming Curcumin: Provides protection in respiratory syncytial virus acquisition

Patient Support for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

The following actions may help Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections patients:
  • Supportive care: Makes your child more comfortable

Time for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 week

Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Infectious?

Yes, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • coughing
  • sneezing
  • by shaking hands

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections.

Related Topics

Viral Infections

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